Las Merindades is one of those areas in Burgos that stays in your memory: mountain landscapes, villages that seem to belong to another time, and formations that seem impossible. If you have a free weekend, it is the perfect destination to unwind without leaving Spain.
Here is a simple plan to see the best of the area in two days, with short distances and stops that are worth it.
Saturday: Ojo Guareña and Puentedey
Ojo Guareña
Start Saturday morning at Ojo Guareña, one of the largest karst complexes in Europe, with over 110 km of galleries carved over millions of years.
What is most surprising is the San Bernabé hermitage, carved directly into the rock. Upon entering, the silence and the light entering through the mouth of the eye create an atmosphere that is hard to explain. On the ceiling, you can see paintings that tell the story of the hermitage and its faithful.
It is only a 5-minute drive from the inn, so you can go at your leisure in the morning and come back for lunch.
Puentedey
After lunch, head your car towards Puentedey, about 20 minutes away. It is a village built on top of a natural rock bridge that the Nela river has carved over centuries.
Walking through the center of the village is like walking over the canyon: the houses rest on the rock and the river passes just below. It is one of those places you have to see in person to understand.
Sunday: Orbaneja del Castillo
Sunday brings the longest drive, about 45 minutes by car, but it is worth every minute. Orbaneja del Castillo is a village that seems suspended in the air: a waterfall falls between the houses from the castle down to the Ebro river.
The village is built on a rock plateau, and the waterfall, which never dries up, is its main protagonist. Walking through its narrow streets and seeing the Ebro from above is one of the most beautiful experiences in the area.
Where to stay
If you come to discover Las Merindades, the best way to enjoy it is to stay in the area. At the inn, you have a quiet base to spend the two days at your leisure, without rushing and without returning to the city every night.
Book your weekend and come discover it for yourself.